Pre-Design Questionnaire

This isn't your standard questionnaire, where the extent of inquiry revolves around bedroom and bathroom counts. No, this is your chance to make your home an extension of your lifestyle. What separates Architecture from simple construction is that we seek to find the qualitative (not quantitative) information that makes each project unique in both function and form.

Default_contemporary_luxury_house_rural_setting_pacific_northw_1_3450dd5e-1ad1-44e1-a447-9

As you go through the questions, keep a few things in mind:

Share qualitative information and ask questions rather than providing answers. This approach ensures we uncover the core issues and consider multiple solutions. If it's challenging, express your preferences and reasons by describing things you like or dislike in your home, former residence, or elsewhere, using rich examples and descriptive language.
If there are differing opinions within your household, please share all of them with us. We aim to address everyone's concerns and potentially find a solution that satisfies everyone.

Focus on expressing your desires without attempting to solve the problem, even if these desires appear conflicting or unattainable.
Go ahead and wave a magic wand and tell us what your “perfect world” would be like.
Life is always changing, consider future needs or potential changes to your living situations.
If a question doesn't apply to your situation, feel free to skip it.

The Pre-Design Questions:

Which work activities are significant, where do they occur (at home or on the property), and what is required to facilitate these tasks?
_
What leisure time activities are important, do they take place in the house or on the property? Is anything additional required to support these activities?
_
What other essential activities or priorities exist in your life, where do they occur, and what resources or support are necessary for them? For instance; parenting, religious practices, social gatherings, caring for pets, or any activities central to your daily, weekly, or monthly routine are important to identify.
_
How important is TV to you: a major focus, occasional, or not important at all?
_
How important is music to you: a major focus, occasional, or not important at all?
_
Do you possess any equipment that should be considered or integrated into the home or property?
_
Are there any furniture or art items you own that should be considered or included in the planning process?
_
Are there architectural styles that pique your interest, attract you, or you'd like to learn more about?
_
Do your style preferences lean towards formal, modern, casual, chic, country, minimalist, or a blend of these styles?
_
Do any particular features hold significance for you? (e.g., fireplace, cathedral ceiling, or sunroom/conservatory)
_
Are there specific rooms or spaces where you'd like to evoke a particular atmosphere, such as a sense of tranquility or energy?
_
Which flooring option do you prefer: hard-surface floors, area rugs, or wall-to-wall carpet?
_
Are you interested in window treatments? Are they primarily for decoration, light control, or privacy?
_
Do you have a preference for natural materials over synthetic ones?
_
Do you have a specific message or atmosphere you'd like the house to convey?
_
Will this be your primary or secondary residence?
_
Do you often spend extended periods away from your primary home, or is it typically occupied most of the time?
_
If it's a secondary residence, please specify the amount of time you plan to spend there and during which seasons. Are there any considerations for it potentially being used as a rental property?
_
How long are you planning to own this house?
_
Is the house intended for your personal use or for resale purposes (spec home)?
_
What are the key factors that have led you to this point, and which one holds the highest priority?
_
Do you have any health or wellness concerns, such as air quality, mold, toxicity, the natural environment, special needs, or potential future special needs?
_
Who do you plan on living or occupying this house?
_
Are you passionate about cooking and frequently spend time in the kitchen? Or do you prefer dining out most of the time?
_
How frequently do you entertain: often, on occasion, or rarely?
_
Are you currently experiencing an imbalance of space, where you have an excess of one type of space and a deficiency of another?
_
Describe your desired natural/artificial lighting quality. Example: morning sunlight in the kitchen, a cozy darkness in the bedroom at night, or the capability to set various moods in the dining room.
_
What kind of sound environment do you aim for? Example: I prefer tranquility in my office/meditation space, or I'd like to be aware of my kids when they're in the backyard.
_
Are certain views important to you (mountain, water, forest, open), and what type of connection to the outdoors do you desire to establish?
_
Do you have favorite colors? Do you prefer bright, vibrant, subtle, neutral, or earthy tones?
_
Do friends, family, or extended stays play a role in your home life?
_
Which room and space relationships hold significance to you? For instance, do you prefer your office or meditation space to be secluded and private, your kitchen to be open and adjacent to the family room, guest spaces to feel private, or the children's computer area to be within your view?
_
Do you have or foresee an elderly family member residing with you in the future?
_
Where in your home do people typically gather and spend their time?
_
Are ceiling heights important to you?
_
Can you provide insight into your current or future budget, with specific details if available? Also, are the funds non-contingent (money sitting in your bank account); or contingent on the sale of stocks/bonds, the sale of an existing property, or a construction loan?
_
Are there any time constrains that need to be adhered to?
_
Are there natural features on your property that hold significance and require attention, preservation, or enhancement?
_
Do you wish to screen any features on your property or neighboring properties from view?
_
Are there any zoning, code, neighbor-related, or potential obstacles you are aware of?
_
Are there specific views you want to achieve or avoid from particular locations or rooms?
_
Are there any additional structures, like guest houses, barns, sheds, greenhouses, or ADUs) included in the project?
_
Do transitional spaces like porches, decks, or covered walkways factor into your plans or priorities?
_
Are outdoor amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, play areas, or gardens part of your project scope or desires?
_
Are you interested in sustainable practices like energy efficiency, resource conservation, solar power, or low toxic materials?
_
Is curb appeal and potential resale value a concern or interest for you?
_
Have you had any prior experience building, renovating, or expanding a house? If so, could you share your experience with us?
_
Is there a specific approach you'd like us to take or any considerations you'd like us to keep in mind while working with you?
_
Do you have preferences for communication methods? (e.g., email, phone, in-person meetings, written correspondence, or a combination)
_
Are there any questions or concerns you have for us? We know this is a big commitment, but the more confident you are, the more of a well-oiled the machine becomes.
_

That's A Wrap!

If it's your first time with the start-guide, feel free to revisit this page whenever you want. You can simply copy and paste these questions into your preferred word processor and complete them there, or go old-school and print them out for some pen-and-paper action. We want to see your answers when you're ready! Otherwise, if you're still in the data-gathering phase, proceed to step 2!

SELECTING A SITE